Not Jantar Mantar? Supreme Court Seeks Centre, Delhi Govt's Stand On Shifting Protest Venue
Not Jantar Mantar? Supreme Court Seeks Centre, Delhi Govt's Stand On Shifting Protest Venue Published By, Last Updated: August 04, 2026, 07:26 IST The PIL
Not Jantar Mantar? Supreme Court Seeks Centre, Delhi Govt's Stand On Shifting Protest Venue Published By, Last Updated: August 04, 2026, 07:26 IST The PIL argues that Jantar Mantar, long designated as Delhi's principal protest venue, no longer meets the basic requirements for safely accommodating demonstrations. According to the petition, Jantar Mantar lacks proper entry and exit points, washrooms, drinking water, sewage facilities, medical assistance and other essential amenities for protesters. The Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre, the Delhi government and the Delhi Police Commissioner on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the identification of designated protest sites across the Capital Region (NCR) instead of Jantar Mantar, citing inadequate infrastructure and growing inconvenience to residents. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued notice on the plea filed by advocate S C Kaushik and asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain instructions from the authorities.
“The petitioner is suggesting that Jantar Mantar is not an appropriate site for holding protests. Get instructions on this issue," the bench observed. The PIL argues that Jantar Mantar, long designated as Delhi’s principal protest venue, no longer meets the basic requirements for safely accommodating demonstrations. According to the petition, the site lacks proper entry and exit points, washrooms, drinking water, sewage facilities, medical assistance and other essential amenities for protesters. The petitioner urged the court to direct authorities to earmark alternative protest sites across the NCR that are better equipped to handle large gatherings while minimising disruption to nearby residents. During the hearing, Kaushik referred to recent and proposed protests in the capital, stating that the Delhi Auto Union announced a march to Parliament and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also said he would lead a march to the Prime Minister’s residence.
He urged authorities to take preventive measures to avoid a repeat of the July 20 violence, when a student march towards Parliament led to clashes with police. The petitioner also submitted that residents living near Jantar Mantar continue to face significant hardship because of frequent demonstrations. Responding to the submission, the declined to comment on law-and-order issues. “We cannot comment on these issues. It is for the authorities to handle emerging situations. If they mishandle, the law will take its own course," the bench said. The PIL comes in the aftermath of a prolonged 36-day student-led agitation in Delhi over the alleged 2026 NEET paper leak and CBSE evaluation irregularities. The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and several left-wing student organisations, peaked on July 20 during a march towards Parliament that prompted heavy security deployment and clashes with police.
The BriefWire